Size and Physical Play: Yevgeniy Isakov stands at around 6’1 and 195 pounds. Isakov is known to be very aggressive next to the boards, using his size well and is probably the strongest ’84 DOB Russian player. He does not hesitate going through traffic and plays a physical style of hockey. Skating: Yevgeniy is a technically sounds skater with a solid top speed. He skates well forward and can move well under pressure. He backwards skating is above average. Shot: Yevgeniy’s aggressiveness and shot are his two primary weapons. His shot is strong, with an above average precision. Isakov doesn’t hesitate to shoot the puck either. Technical Skills: Yevgeniy Isakov is a solid puckhandler. He uses well the combination speed and aggresiveness to make room for himself. His stick handling is very good, but use a little more work as it sometimes gets him in trouble when he gets called for a penalty. The technical aspect of his passing is also solid

Back In Russia:

Yevgeniy started to play hockey in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. At a relatively early age he moved on to Tyumen and joined the city’s main hockey school. During the 2001-02 season, Yevgeniy made his debut in Russia’s Upper League with Gazovik Tyumen. Half way through the year, he, along with many other members of Russia’s ’84 squad were loaned by their respective teams to Elemash Elektrostal where they all played together, preparing for the U18 WJC. Overall, he spent 48 games in the Upper League playing against adult players. Yevgeniy was also a member of the ’84 National Team since it’s inception and usually skated with the third unit, providing a physical presence on the ice. During the 2002 offseason, Gazovik Tyumen loaned Yevgeniy to the Super League’s Severstal Omsk. Severstal has been one of Russia’s strongest teams and Isakov has been consistently there, skating on the fourth line with former NHLer Torgaev and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Alexander Shinkar. The fourth line has not been really been an offensive powerhouse for Severstal, but the line has provided a credible threat and earned around 8-10 minutes of ice time a game. He will likely to remain with Severstal for the 2003-04 season.

NHL Outlook:

The Pittsburgh Penguins drafted Yevgeniy Issakov in the 5th round with the 161st overall pick. He will likely be a member of the U20 Russian National squad for 2003-04 and may earn a larger role on Severstal's roster. He has some of the tools to be a solid forward, but needs to put it together mentally and is still at least three years from another look.